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Consumer protection
June 2006
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Keep documents safe

Here's a list of papers to hang onto and where to keep copies. Safe-deposit boxes, available at banks, rent for $20 and up a year. They are nearly impregnable, but floods have occasionally ruined papers, so store them in a water-resistant plastic bag or container. Make a friend or relative cosigner, so that if you are incapacitated papers can be accessed. But don't leave your will or funeral instructions inside; safe-deposit boxes are sealed upon the owner's death.

TYPE OF STORAGE DOCUMENT(S) KEEP A COPY? WHERE TO STORE DUPLICATE?
SAFE-DEPOSIT BOX Birth and death certificates; marriage license; adoption, citizenship, divorce papers Yes Home file
Inventory and photos of household property Yes Home file
Deeds, titles, bills of sale, car title, mortgage Yes Home file
List of location of important papers Yes Home file
HOME FILE CABINET Tax returns; supporting documents for past 3 to 7 years No
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Passport No
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Bank account information Yes Friend's or relative's home or at your office
Insurance policies No
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List of all assets, including brokerage and mutual-fund accounts, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, real property, and employee-benefit accounts Yes Friend's or relative's home or at your office
ATTORNEY'S OFFICE Will, durable power of attorney Yes Home file and executor or personal representative
Funeral instructions Yes Friend or relative
Living will, health-care power of attorney Yes Home file, physician, personal representative
Location of safety-deposit box Yes Joint owner, friend, or relative
WALLET Driver's license or other photo I.D. yes Home file
Auto insurance card Yes In car
Emergency contacts No
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Blood type, list of allergies, medications No
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